September Is Prostate Health Month
Too many men are dying from embarrassment. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. One out of every 10 men will develop prostate cancer, and more than 30,000 die each year from the disease. Most cases occur after the age of 65, and the risk does increase with age.
Despite all this, many men are reluctant to seek treatment when they experience problems with their prostate. Some mistakenly believe the treatment will result in impotence or incontinence. Others are simply ashamed to talk about their symptoms with a physician.
The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. As men grow older, their prostate naturally grows larger. Indeed, about 80 percent of men will eventually develop a condition called prostate enlargement, also known as BPH. This condition is non-cancerous, but it can cause problems with urination. It can often be treated with medication.
By far, the most serious medical condition involving the prostate is cancer. The good news is that, when detected early, prostate cancer is very curable. Colin Powell, Arnold Palmer and Bob Dole are three men who have had, and beaten, the disease. Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know about prostate cancer. Risk Factors Prostate cancer runs in families, so a genetic factor is probably involved. The disease is more common in African-American men. Eating a high-fat diet also increases your risk.
Symptoms Don’t let fear or embarrassment stop you from seeking medical help. Contact your physician if you have any of the following warning signs:
• Difficulty or inability to urinate
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Blood in urine or pain or burning sensation during urination
• Frequent pain and/or stiffness in lower back, hips and upper thighs
• Difficulty having an erection
Treatment Prevention After age 50, have your personal physician conduct a digital rectal exam and blood test once a year or more often if you have a family history of prostate cancer or are African- American.
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